History of Marburg virus in Timeline

Marburg virus (MARV) is a severe hemorrhagic fever virus that affects primates. Classified as a high-risk pathogen by organizations like the WHO, NIAID, and CDC, it is considered a significant threat to public health and biosecurity. Its classification as a Category A bioterrorism agent highlights its potential for misuse and the importance of strict control measures.

1967: Marburg Virus Strains Isolated in Uganda

In 1967, Marburg virus strains were isolated in Uganda.

1967: Marburg Virus First Described

The Marburg virus was first described in 1967 following outbreaks of Marburg virus disease in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and Belgrade, Yugoslavia. The outbreaks were linked to laboratory workers exposed to infected tissues from grivet monkeys at the Behringwerke facility in Marburg.

1967: Marburg Virus Named

The term "Marburg virus" was first introduced in 1967.

1980: Marburg Virus Strains Isolated in Kenya

Marburg virus strains were isolated in Kenya in 1980.

1999: Marburg Virus Strains Isolated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Marburg virus strains were isolated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1999.

2000: Marburg Virus Strains Isolated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Marburg virus strains were isolated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2000.

2004: Marburg Virus Strains Isolated in Angola

Marburg virus strains were isolated in Angola in 2004.

2005: Virus Name Changed to Lake Victoria marburgvirus

In 2005, the name of the virus was changed to Lake Victoria marburgvirus, differentiating the virus from its species only by italicization.

2005: Marburg Virus Strains Isolated in Angola

Marburg virus strains were isolated in Angola in 2005.

2007: Marburg Virus Strains Isolated in Uganda

Marburg virus strains were isolated in Uganda in 2007.

2009: Expanded Clinical Trials for Ebola and Marburg Vaccine Begin

In 2009, expanded clinical trials for a vaccine targeting both Ebola and Marburg viruses were initiated in Kampala, Uganda.

2009: Marburg Virus Strains Isolated in Uganda

Marburg virus strains were isolated in Uganda in 2009.

2009: Infectious MARV Isolated from Egyptian Fruit Bats

The successful isolation of infectious MARV from healthy Egyptian fruit bats in 2009 suggested a potential role for Old World fruit bats in the natural transmission cycle of marburgviruses. This finding, alongside the isolation of infectious RAVV, further supported this hypothesis.

2010: Marburg Virus Name Reinstated

The name "Marburg virus" was reinstated in 2010 due to the confusion caused by the 2005 name change. The species name was subsequently revised.

2012: Experimental Infection Study on Rousettus aegyptiacus

In 2012, an experimental infection study involving Rousettus aegyptiacus provided more evidence for the potential role of these bats in the ecology of MARV.

2014: Merck Acquires Rights to Candidate Vaccines

Merck acquired the rights to all of the related candidate vaccines in 2014, but they chose not to develop most of them, including the Marburg vaccine, due to financial considerations.

2014: First Clinical Trial for Marburg Virus Vaccine

The first clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of a Marburg virus vaccine took place in 2014. The trial focused on a DNA vaccine and found that vaccinated individuals developed some antibodies, although complete immunity was not anticipated.

2019: Merck Brings rVSV-ZEBOV Vaccine to Market

In 2019, Merck brought the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, which is closely related, into commercial use with funding from GAVI.

June 23, 2022: Study Shows Promising Results of rVSV Vaccine in Guinea Pigs

On June 23, 2022, researchers affiliated with the Public Health Agency of Canada released a study titled PHV01. The study showed promising results for a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) vaccine tested on guinea pigs. It found that vaccinating guinea pigs approximately one month before infection provided a high level of protection.